Structural steel is a material that must be specifically protected from corrosion. Its use in the construction of structures and parts of equipment and machinery obliges manufacturers to ensure the highest quality and durability of components. Therefore, there are a number of ways to keep steel parts from rusting.
Appropriate materials
In fact, the degree of protection depends on the first steps taken at the design stage of the steel structure. First of all, you should choose components that do not allow the accumulation of liquids, the main cause of corrosion. The less complex the shape of the component, the less chance for water to pond on it. It is extremely important to choose the right way to connect the elements of the steel structure, and to do it correctly.
Corrosion protection
The solution to the problem of corrosion protection is the use of specialized protection measures, such as zinc coatings. They can be applied to the surfaces of steel parts by spraying molten metal or by completely immersing them. Chrome and nickel are also often used. Sometimes special fittings made of a material with a low electrochemical potential are also mounted on the surface. There is also a method using electricity. By connecting the element to an external power supply, it becomes a cathode or anode, which greatly reduces the risk of corrosion. It is also a common method of protection to paint the surface of steel components with anti-corrosive paints.
And if corrosion has already appeared, we can use special inhibitors, i.e. substances that react with corrosion foci, significantly reducing the rate of corrosion development.
So, as we can see, manufacturers of steel structures have a full range of means to protect their products from the effects of corrosion, and thus reduce the life of the structure.
